Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County

As we navigate a period filled with challenges for both agricultural producers and residents of California, it is crucial to encourage our elected officials to allocate funds to essential programs that serve as a crucial support system for farmers and those experiencing food shortages.⁠
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What is CUSP? ⁠
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The California Underserved and Small Producers Program (CUSP) is designed to facilitate support for small and medium scale California farmers through direct relief grants. Relief grants are distributed to provide financial support due to drought, extreme weather, and other climate impacts in California.⁠
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So far, CUSP has:⁠
🧑‍🌾 → Provided reliable safety net amid escalating climate disasters⁠
💰 → Awarded over $24.5 million in direct relief to thousands of farmers⁠
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Take action 🫵 Call your state rep and urge them to fund CUSP and other crucial programs! Script and instructions in bio!
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agriculture

Big thanks to everyone for coming out to celebrate San Diego's native pollinators! 🐝

Each year on the first full week of May, when native bees and butterflies are in flight, the San Diego Pollinator Alliance puts on a week of ✨free✨ events all about our native pollinators.

This year, over 500 community members of all ages and abilities joined over 15 events to delight in the pollinators native to our region, learn how to protect them, and gain a better understanding of their importance. 🦋

Thank you to the many organizations who hosted incredible events that inspire us to continue protecting our beloved insect, bird, and mammal pollinators. 🦇

We're already looking forward to San Diego Pollinator Week 2027! 🐛

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The San Diego Pollinator Alliance (SDPA) is a group of organizations and agencies working together to protect pollinators in San Diego County. The SDPA aims to increase native pollinator habitat and awareness about pollinator-friendly practices through outreach, education, and on-the-ground programs. The SDPA includes scientists, conservation orgs, educators, and stewards. The RCD of Greater San Diego County is a founding member of the SDPA.

Happy International Day for Biological Diversity from all of us at RCD of Greater San Diego County! 🌿🪲✨

Biodiversity refers to the number and variety of plant and animal species in a region. This variety contributes to healthy ecosystems that support food security, clean water and air, disease control, and so much more.

San Diego County is the most biodiverse county in the continental U.S., and we don't take that for granted!

Today and every day, we celebrate our region's biodiversity and commit to caring for the local wildlife and communities that share this home, whether it's improving the health and resilience of forests, creating pollinator habitat on farms and ranches, or working with experts to protect our most threatened species.

The theme of this year's International Day of Biological Diversity, "Acting Locally for Global Impact," reminds us of the positive change we create together.

Learn more about our work to promote biodiversity in San Diego at www.rcdsandiego.org.

Photo: Colbalt milkweed beetle (Chrisochus cobaltinus) on woollypod milkweed (Asclepias eriocarpa) at Sh'quah, near so-called Mount Laguna, courtesy of MC Moazed 🦋

Applications are still open for our Ecological Farmer Training Program! 🥕🫜🍅

This is an 8-week, hands-on course where you’ll learn ecological farming by actually doing it—on working urban farms, with guidance and support along the way. It's a space to learn, ask questions, and get comfortable working with the land.

This course is designed for participants of all experience levels who want to learn to grow food, care for the land, and build real skills!

Apply at the link in bio! ✨🌿

Agroforestry celebration May 17th, at ! We'll learn about soil health, oooo and awwww over the happy chickens foraging the peach orchard, peck at our own snacks, sip beverages from a local brewery, along with fresh lemonade and so much more! Bring a friend, and learn about integrated cropping systems! RSVP at the link in our bio 🐥

San Diego Pollinator Week is almost here! Join the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County as we host two FREE events that are open to anyone interested in learning more about pollinators! 🦋🐛🦇

Attend our talk to learn more about the endangered San Diego Hermes Copper Butterfly and current projects related to its conservation.

Then, join our workshop where we will learn how to support native pollinators throughout their lifecycle with food sources, nesting habitat, and structures for wildlife.

More information about each event is available on our website! Explore the full schedule of events and plan your week by visiting rcdsandiego.org/san-diego-pollinator-week

San Diego Farm Bureau throws the best parties! But really, we are so thankful for the monthly Farm Bureau board meetings giving us a chance to connect with all the partners in this big food system, the way they support 4-H and Ag in the Classroom all year long, and the annual Graze event is a cherry on top! 🍨🍒 Graze at the Carlsbad flower fields is an annual fundraiser showcasing nearly 100 farmers, food businesses, and food system partners around the county. The RCD was in great company! 

Check out to get involved 🌱

San Diego Pollinator Week 2026 is fast approaching! But you don't have to wait for May 4th to start the celebration...

Entries for the Pollinators in Action photo contest can be made all month long, starting right now!

Enter for a chance to win a prize as third, second, or first-place winner! 🦋🦇🌼

Ways to enter:
1. Email your photo [email protected]

2. Post your photo and tag us with the hashtag

3. Upload an observation to the iNaturalist project and email your favorite to [email protected] (You can make as many submissions as you want, just note your favorite by May 30th.)

Limited to one entry per person. Winners will be selected in June.

Help our region work toward resilient oak woodlands through science, shared knowledge, and collaboration! 🌳🪵🍂

Join the California Fire Science Consortium and the Society of American Foresters for the Southern California Oak Woodlands: Fire, Change, and Collaborative Stewardship Symposium on May 13, 2026, at Quail Hill Community Center in Irvine, CA from 9 AM - 3 PM.

Whether you are a natural resource professional, student, decision-maker, or engaged community member, this symposium offers valuable insights and opportunities to connect with others committed to sustaining these vital landscapes.

Register at www.cafirescience.org

Ever seen chickens in a peach orchard? Goats in a vineyard? Agroforestry covers a wide array of practices to support a diverse farm system and strengthen the biodiversity of working lands. On May 10th, we'll showcase, and celebrate, the culmination of a 5 part workshop series hosted by and , with the support of .coop 🥳
Join us for learning, sharing, and thinking outside of the box, or, cage!
RSVP at link in bio 🐥🌳